Discrepancies in online travel status portal caused by updates, says immigration DG
Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said although Fahmi Reza is free to travel internationally, the entry restrictions into Sabah remain in effect as directed by the state authorities. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The immigration department says that discrepancies between the Malay and English language versions of its online travel status portal are due to updates being made to the English version.
Immigration director-general Zakaria Shaaban said the department is conducting a technical review to ensure that both versions of the portal display accurate and consistent information.
'We acknowledge the confusion caused by differences between the Malay and English versions of the travel status system.
'The English portal is undergoing updates and has been temporarily closed for maintenance,' he said in a statement.
The clarification follows a Facebook post by graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza yesterday highlighting inconsistencies in his travel status when checking both versions of the portal.
Zakaria said that while the immigration department's English site stated there were no travel restrictions imposed on him, the Malay version said he should refer to the nearest immigration department office.
Fahmi, known for his politically charged illustrations, was stopped at KLIA Terminal 2 on June 6 while trying to board a flight to Singapore to attend a punk rock concert.
He claimed an immigration officer informed him that Bukit Aman had denied him clearance to travel overseas.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain then clarified that the police did not issue a travel ban against Fahmi. He said the incident was the result of a 'misunderstanding' during a border check.
Zakaria said no international travel restrictions were placed on Fahmi.
However, he said, entry restrictions into Sabah remain in effect as directed by the state authorities.
Fahmi was denied entry into Sabah on May 29. He said he was immediately flown back to Kuala Lumpur after that.
A notice issued by the Sabah immigration department at Kota Kinabalu International Airport cited Section 65(1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 as the legal basis for the entry restriction.
Earlier this year, Fahmi was arrested by Sabah police to assist in an investigation into one of his satirical works. He was investigated under the Sedition Act for allegedly insulting the royal institution.
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